Hideman Review — Speed, Privacy, and Features Compared

Hideman Alternatives: Top VPNs to Consider Right NowHideman was once a popular VPN choice for users seeking free or low-cost protection online. Over time, concerns about performance, limited server selection, and privacy practices have led many to look for stronger, more reliable alternatives. Below is a comprehensive guide to the top VPNs to consider right now, covering security, speed, privacy, ease of use, streaming, and value so you can pick the one that best matches your needs.

What to look for in a Hideman alternative

Before diving into specific services, here are the core criteria to evaluate:

• Security & encryption: Modern protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2) and AES-256 or equivalent.
• No-logs policy: Independently audited or with strong transparency reporting.
• Speed & reliability: Fast servers with consistent performance for streaming, gaming, and downloads.
• Server network: Wide geographic coverage and sufficient server counts to avoid overcrowding.
• Streaming & torrenting support: Dedicated servers or proven ability to access Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, etc., and permit P2P.
• Ease of use: Intuitive apps for desktop and mobile, plus router support.
• Customer support: ⁄₇ live chat, helpful knowledge base, and clear refund policy.
• Price & value: Competitive plans, money-back guarantees, and useful extras (ad-blocking, split tunneling).

Top VPN alternatives (detailed)

1. ExpressVPN

• Security & privacy: Uses Lightway and OpenVPN; AES-256 encryption. No-logs policy independently audited.
• Speed: Consistently among the fastest for streaming and gaming.
• Servers & locations: 100+ countries with thousands of server locations.
• Streaming & torrenting: Reliable access to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer; supports P2P on many servers.
• Ease of use: Simple apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, and more.
• Support & extras: ⁄₇ live chat, split tunneling, MediaStreamer smart DNS for devices without native VPN support.
• Price/value: Premium price but strong performance; 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. NordVPN

• Security & privacy: WireGuard-based NordLynx, AES-256; audited no-logs policy and Assault on metadata minimization.
• Speed: Excellent speeds with NordLynx; good for streaming and downloads.
• Servers & locations: 60+ countries, thousands of servers with specialty servers (Double VPN, Onion over VPN).
• Streaming & torrenting: Works well with major streaming services; dedicated P2P servers.
• Ease of use: Polished apps across platforms; advanced settings for power users.
• Support & extras: ⁄₇ live chat, ad/tracker blocker (CyberSec), obfuscated servers.
• Price/value: Competitive long-term pricing; 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. Surfshark

• Security & privacy: WireGuard and OpenVPN; AES-256 encryption; no-logs policy.
• Speed: Very good speeds with WireGuard; excellent value for speed-to-price ratio.
• Servers & locations: 100+ countries and thousands of servers.
• Streaming & torrenting: Unblocks Netflix libraries, Disney+, and more; allows P2P on all servers.
• Ease of use: Clean, modern apps; unlimited simultaneous connections.
• Support & extras: ⁄₇ live chat, CleanWeb ad/malware blocker, MultiHop option.
• Price/value: One of the best values—low subscription cost and unlimited devices; 30-day guarantee.

4. Proton VPN

• Security & privacy: Strong privacy roots from ProtonMail team; Secure Core servers, WireGuard, AES-256; strict no-logs policy.
• Speed: Good speeds on paid plans; free tier available with limited servers and speed.
• Servers & locations: Focus on privacy-oriented countries; growing network.
• Streaming & torrenting: Paid plans can access streaming services; supports P2P on select servers.
• Ease of use: Straightforward apps; strong privacy-focused features (Secure Core, Tor over VPN).
• Support & extras: Transparent open-source apps, clear privacy documentation.
• Price/value: Higher-tier plans for advanced privacy features; free plan exists with limitations.

5. CyberGhost

• Security & privacy: OpenVPN, WireGuard; AES-256; no-logs policy.
• Speed: Good performance on nearby servers; large server network helps maintain speed.
• Servers & locations: Very large server fleet with server labels for streaming and torrenting.
• Streaming & torrenting: Dedicated streaming servers that reliably unblock many platforms.
• Ease of use: User-friendly apps with one-click profiles for streaming/P2P.
• Support & extras: ⁄₇ live chat, generous 45-day money-back guarantee on long plans.
• Price/value: Affordable long-term plans; strong for users focused on streaming.

6. Mullvad

• Security & privacy: Extremely privacy-focused; pays attention to minimal data retention. No-logs and supports anonymous accounts (pay by cash).
• Speed: Very good performance; WireGuard support.
• Servers & locations: Smaller network but solid coverage in key regions.
• Streaming & torrenting: Works for P2P; may require some manual server selection for streaming.
• Ease of use: Apps are straightforward but more utilitarian.
• Support & extras: Strong stance on anonymity and transparency.
• Price/value: Flat-rate pricing; excellent for users prioritizing privacy over convenience.

Quick comparison table

How to choose the right one

• If you want the most reliable streaming and high speeds: consider ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
• If you want the best value with unlimited devices: consider Surfshark.
• If privacy and anonymity are your top priority: consider Mullvad or Proton VPN.
• If you mainly want streaming-specific convenience: consider CyberGhost.

Setup tips

• Use WireGuard (or the provider’s optimized protocol) for the best speed unless you need obfuscation.
• Enable kill switch and DNS leak protection in the app.
• For routers or smart TVs, use providers that offer easy router setup or Smart DNS.
• Test using your provider’s money-back window to check streaming and speed with your usual services.

If you want, I can:

• Suggest the single best choice based on your primary use (streaming, privacy, torrenting, budget).
• Provide step-by-step setup for a chosen VPN on Windows, Android, or a home router.